From Bush to Breakfast Table – Harvest Leads to Enjoyment

It's incredibly satisfying to harvest the fruits of your labor! That's why gardeners get so much joy from plucking berries and fruits right off the bush or tree, popping them into their mouths, and savoring them. But should that short-lived pleasure be the end of it? Many would say, "Of course not!" After all, a good portion is used in delicious desserts and tasty cakes.

Yet, even that doesn't have to be the limit. Go that extra, truly minimal mile and transform your fresh treasures into a long-lasting delight. Because what could be more wonderful for breakfast than homemade jam?

Among the first candidates of the year for a new life in a jam jar are strawberries. Later, other red berries like currants and raspberries follow. Don't overlook other fruits of the same color either! Whether sour or sweet cherries, you surely don't want to leave these wonderful tree-grown delights entirely to the starlings! So, it's time to harvest and transform them into delicious spreads.

Add a small label to the front of the jar noting the contents and production date, then off to the pantry they go. Nicely decorated with a little fabric cap, these homemade products also make excellent gifts. Once again, those without a garden, in particular, will be thrilled with such natural, homegrown food, because garden produce still beats anything you can buy at the market. This process works just as well with mirabelles, apples, pears, and other fruit varieties.

One of the big advantages of making your own jam and preserves is the ability to control the sugar content. Many people appreciate it when their jam contains more fruit and less industrial sweetness.

Before you reach for the immersion blender, you can hold back some beautiful pieces of fruit to add them in small chunks to the jam. This looks great and adds a delightful texture. Popular additions include cinnamon and cardamom. A subtle note of ginger and a distinct vanilla flavor are also very popular. A splash of alcohol can also make the fruit more interesting for enjoyable consumption, achieved with liqueurs or even a few drops of spirits like gin. There are no limits to creative ideas here—the main thing is that the result tastes delicious!

Preparing berries for jam is quick and easy: simply wash and destem them. For fruits like apples and pears, core them and cut them into small pieces. Anything a bit firmer should then be cooked in a little water until soft.

Next, add the gelling sugar and boil everything together for three to four minutes. Now, add your chosen spices, including any high-proof alcohol you plan to use. Be sure to include a little lemon juice—it rounds off the flavor of any jam beautifully!

If you want to skip sugar entirely when preserving your garden fruits, you can opt for honey or agave syrup. The result is called a fruit spread. Another alternative is jelly, where only fruit juice is used. This way, a lot of fallen fruit can still be perfectly utilized instead of being discarded.

Speaking of fallen fruit, you can make a delightful treat from fallen apples. What pairs better with potato pancakes than homemade applesauce?

The fruit needs careful preparation. After cutting out any rotten spots and coring, cut the apples into small pieces. Bring them to a boil with a little water, then simmer over low heat until soft. Puree the mixture and sweeten it to your liking. Add a splash of lemon juice and bring it to a quick boil on the stove one last time. Voila! A culinary delight for the whole family is ready to enjoy.